Thunder Bay Public Library

The Thunder Bay Public Library is celebrating the success of its third annual Library Giving Day.

TBPL passed their fundraising goal with over $11,000 in donations, a record year for the event.

All donations made on Library Giving Day yesterday were matched by local business partners Lowerys, Jones Insurance and Thunder Bay Truck Centre. The three companies contributed over $6,000 in total.

Funds will go towards expansion, renovations and new free programming for all ages.

“We’re investing in making all of our spaces bigger, more welcoming, more inclusive, and safe,” said TBPL Associate Director Meagan Ross.

The library had a 38% increase in attendance last year among children, and Ross says she expects another jump this year as well.

“Our demand is just completely outpacing what our current foundation can handle. We’re literally bursting at the seams. So this is going to go a long way, it’s really heartening to have the community support that we do,” she said.

Ross points to rising living costs and Thunder Bay’s harsh climate as reasons the library’s free, engaging programming is surging in popularity.

Among the renovations will be a transformation of the first floor of the Waverley library. About 12,000 square feet will be added to the space, which will be entirely devoted to a children and youth library. A STEM lab and extra programming spaces will be added to that location as well.

“People really showed up for the library on Library Giving Day, and that tells us something about how the city feels about the library. It’s a beloved public institution. We’re just so happy to feel that love and we can’t wait to show off our new spaces when they’re all ready for everybody,” Ross said.

The library is still accepting donations. Click here to contribute.

Local bookworms have a chance to give back to the Thunder Bay Public Library during Library Giving Day on Wednesday.

Thanks to local business sponsors, all Library Giving Day donations will be doubled (up to $4,500).

“The generosity of businesses like Lowerys, Jones Insurance and Thunder Bay Truck Centre makes it possible for us to keep doing what we do best,” said Richard Togman, CEO of Thunder Bay Public Library. “On April 1, your donation gets doubled. That’s a pretty good deal.”

Library Giving Day is an international campaign launched in 2019. It has raised over $16,000 since its adoption in Thunder Bay in 2024. This year’s goal is $10,000. Funds will help the library introduce new free programs and collections, from innovative children’s programming to research services.

The library received glowing praise from the initiative’s business sponsors:

“Thunder Bay Public Library is a resource that touches every corner of this city, and we’re glad to help make Library Giving Day a success.” — Dave Mack, President and General Manager of Thunder Bay Truck Centre.

“The Library serves everyone, and that’s exactly the kind of institution we want to support.” — Shawn Christie, Vice President of Lowerys Office Supplies.

“Thunder Bay Public Library is a place where community comes together. It supports learning, sparks curiosity, and creates access to opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.” — Jeff Jones, President of Jones Insurance.

Click here to donate.

Calling all shutterbugs: The Friends of the Thunder Bay Public Library will be hosting a special vintage camera sale the weekend of March 14 at the County Fair Mall.

The equipment is donated by the Interactive Media Development program at Confederation College. The college says that while these items are no longer in use, they remain in good working condition and reflect years of hands-on learning by students in the program.

“We’ve been clearing out older camera equipment and knew there would be people out there who were still interested in using it,” said Orion Atkinson, IMD Program Coordinator at Confederation College. “Though it no longer fits our curriculum needs in the Interactive Media program, we’re happy to be donating this vintage equipment to a local charity and supporting the Thunder Bay Public Library.”

“Many of our students learned photography and videography on these analogue cameras and it’s great to think that they’ll get a new life with new owners.”

Here’s what will be on the block:

• Vintage SLR and DSLR cameras
• Video cameras and accessories
• Photography and video equipment
• Gently used books of all genres

All proceeds from the sale will go towards Thunder Bay Public Library programs and services.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the IMD Program for thinking of us,” said Fran Duke, President of the Friends of the Thunder Bay Public Library. “Raising funds to support the library is at the heart of what we do. This donation allows us to help this equipment find new homes while generating funds that directly benefit the library and the community.”

The camera sale will run alongside the popular $2 Tote Sale, where customers can fill a tote bag with gently used books for only $2.

For more information, visit tbpl.ca/friends.

The Thunder Bay Public Library will be keeping the Waverly Library and Mary JL Black Library open for most of the winter holidays.

All of the city’s libraries will be closed for the statutory holidays on December 25 and 26, and January 1, and normal hours will resume on January 2.

The city’s libraries will all additionally be open for just a half day on Christmas Eve, running from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mary JL Black and Waverly Library will be open from December 27 to 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Sunday, December 28, when they will only run from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

During the holidays, the two libraries will continue to run their free family programming, including the Discovery Club and Game On!